Chapter 2: 5
Fear and its reasons (1)

In our studies about Abrahams’s journey to Egypt, which the Holy Spirit has recorded for us, I believe that we can find three main reasons for Abraham’s fear and his decision to go down to Egypt, and to claim that Sarah was his sister.

First Reason: Pressures of Life
“Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land.” (Genesis 10:12)

Abraham had great faith when the Lord appeared to him by the rivers, but when the circumstances changed due to the famine in the land fear took a hold on him. Abraham never expected that there would be famine in the promise land in Canaan.

Abraham came from a land that never depended on rain like Canaan.  He lived between two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates in the “Fertile Crescent”. He never had to wake up looking for rain at the sky, instead he always depended on the rivers for water and if there was drought in one river, the other river was always there.

But in the land of Canaan Abraham faith was tested… was God indeed the provider of rain to water the land?  Abraham was scared because he was not used to that.

Sometimes we get use to certain work patterns with a low income, and yet it is stable.  But now we need to depend on the Lord daily. Sometimes when we face unexpected pressure, such as, loss of work, changes in job position, economic hardship, health problems, or illness we stop focusing our eyes upon the Lord who is capable to control and change all of our circumstances. Therefore we become scared, confused and disturbed.

Sometimes we think life is so comfortable and we do not get tired, have no needs or don’t get sick as if we live in a perfect world or live in Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey. We live as if the journey of life shouldn’t have any conflicts; work is available, with a large income,  health and happiness are sure.

But when we actually find problems, loss of job, recession, economic crisis, health issues, marital issues, and other problems we are shocked and taken back with the reality, and that is what makes us frightened and afraid.

Sometimes we believe that pain and hardship are only connected with poverty and ignorance, and sickness, and we forget that the Bible says: “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:22-23)

Dear Reader:
Don’t be afraid of life’s pressure.  The Lord never promised us a life free of troubles, but He promised He will be with us in all tribulations. “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.” (Psalm 91:15-16)

Magdy Samuel